Heavy police presence and teargas marred Kakamega town as authorities dispersed crowds ahead of a planned Linda Wananchi rally organized by ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and Babu Owino. Tensions were high amid rival group activities.

• Police used teargas to disperse attendees at Amalemba Grounds, the designated rally venue.
• The rally was organized by ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna.
• Supporters of the Kakamega Bullfighting Association were among those joining the rally.

Rival factions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) are set to hold parallel rallies today in Siaya and Kakamega, signaling escalating tensions within the party.

• Showdown involves two factions: one led by party leader Oburu Oginga and the other by expelled Secretary General Edwin Sifuna.
• Rallies are scheduled for Siaya and Kakamega.
• This event highlights intensifying rivalry between the two groups within the ODM party.

Tensions ran high in Kakamega as two opposing political factions clashed ahead of Edwin Sifuna's 'Linda Mwananchi' rally at Amalemba Grounds on February 21, 2026. Supporters of Sifuna’s 'One Term' platform confronted police, while a rival group backed President William Ruto's allies and Oburu Oginga's 'Two-Term' slogan.

• Police disowned the rally, stating no formal notification was given, as per Western Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud.
• Sifuna's supporters at Amalemba Grounds reportedly pushed out police officers, taking on security duties themselves.
• Both factions were seen armed with large sticks in a show of force, highlighting the volatile local political climate.

A political rally at Amalemba Grounds in Kakamega proceeded despite police deploying teargas, with attendees defying dispersal attempts and remaining to hear leaders speak. The event was part of the Linda Wananchi rally series.

• Attendees at the rally continued to listen to leaders after police attempted to disperse them with teargas, promptly regrouping and chanting slogans while waving party colors.
• Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna urged supporters to remain resolute and calm, cautioning against confronting law enforcement officers.
• Two youths attempting to disrupt the meeting were confronted by sections of the crowd, receiving blows and kicks before leaders, including Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, intervened to rescue them.

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party is experiencing an internal rift, with two factions holding separate rallies on Saturday. One rally, led by Dr. Oburu Oginga’s "Linda Ground" faction, is planned for Siaya, while another by Governor James Orengo’s, Party Secretary General Edwin Sifuna’s, and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino’s "Linda Mwananchi" group will take place in Vihiga and Kakamega.

• Dr. Oburu Oginga’s rally in Siaya, a calculated move to challenge Governor James Orengo on his home turf, will be held less than 400 metres from the Governor’s office.
• The Linda Mwananchi group, led by Orengo and ODM Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi, has alleged plans by the government to disrupt their rallies, including a shattered truck windscreen while en route to Kakamega.
• Dr. Oginga recently convened a meeting with county leaders, notably absenting Governor Orengo, but including Deputy Governor William Oduol, and MPs Gideon Ochanda, Elisha Odhiambo, and Dr. Christine Ombaka, ahead of the Saturday rally.